New Delhi: The Create in India Challenge, part of WAVES 2025 by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, is proving to be a springboard for India’s animation talent to shine worldwide. Among its most remarkable success stories, Desi Oon by acclaimed filmmaker Suresh Eriyat has secured the Jury Award for Best Commissioned Film at the Annecy International Animation Festival 2025 in France, the world’s premier stage for animated cinema. This milestone win firmly positions Indian animation on the global map, as Desi Oon continues to make waves with a shortlist at Cannes Lions 2025 in the Film Craft Lions category and a series of other international honours.
The Create in India Challenge, designed to boost the AVGC-XR ecosystem (Animation, VFX, Gaming, Comics and Extended Reality), attracted submissions from over 60 countries across 32 challenges. More than 750 finalists were featured at Creatosphere, a dedicated showcase at WAVES 2025 hosted at Mumbai’s Jio World Convention Centre from May 1 to 4, 2025. Recognised as Best Film at the WAVES Awards of Excellence 2025, Desi Oon has also won the AICP Show 2025, with the film now set to be archived at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York. It has earned 2 Golds at Good Ads Matter 2025 for Best Animation Film and Best Animation + CGI Integration, 2 Blue Elephants and 1 Baby Black Elephant at the Kyoorius Creative Awards, and a D&AD Wooden Pencil for design excellence.
Rooted in Indian culture yet crafted with contemporary animation finesse, Desi Oon has resonated deeply with global audiences and juries. Anubhav Singh, Ministry of I&B official overseeing the Create in India Challenge 2025, said, “The Government of India remains committed to nurturing the AVGC-XR sector. Through platforms like WAVES and initiatives like the Create in India Challenge, we aim to spotlight creative excellence that aligns with our vision of India as a global content creation powerhouse."
Sanjay Khimesara, President, ASIFA India, added, "This win is not just Suresh Eriyat’s; it is India’s. Desi Oon reflects the soul of India in a frame-by-frame journey that blends humour, emotion, and artistry. It inspires a new generation of Indian creators to think big, stay rooted, and aim global."
Organised by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting in collaboration with ASIFA India, the WAVES Awards of Excellence celebrate the best in Animation, VFX, Design and Emerging Media, showcasing the diversity and potential of India’s creative landscape. ASIFA India, the Indian chapter of ASIFA International, a UNESCO-supported global network, promotes the art of animation through festivals, knowledge sharing, mentoring and awards.
BI Bureau
